When Can Houseplants Be Brought Inside?

The best time to bring houseplants indoors is during late summer or early fall, before nighttime temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This is usually around late September or early October. Many “annuals” can be brought inside, even tender plants that need a winter dormancy period. They should ideally come indoors before nighttime temperatures dip below 45°F (7°C).

To prepare tropical and subtropical plants for indoor growing, it is essential to take precautions when acclimating plants from outdoors to indoors. For instance, when nighttime temperatures start to dip below 55 to 60 degrees F. (12-15 C.), check for pests in the soil by submerging each pot in warm water for 15 minutes to drive any insects or slugs to the surface.

Tender plants should be brought in when nighttime temperatures are below 50 to 55 degrees F. Most houseplants will tolerate temperatures down to 40-ish, so anywhere between 45-55 degrees is a good time to bring them in. Follow the 50-50 rule: bring houseplants inside 50 days before the first frost, or when temperatures are consistently around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

As fall temperatures begin to cool, it is time to consider bringing in the houseplants you kept outside this summer. When nighttime temperatures start to dip consistently to around 50°F, it’s time to bring plants back indoors. Most houseplants are native to tropical regions, so they should be brought indoors when nighttime temperatures drop below 12ºC.

In summary, preparing tropical and subtropical plants for indoor growing is crucial for their health and longevity. Proper preparation, pest control, and proper acclimatization are essential for successful plant growth and indoor living.

At what temperature do indoor plants survive best at?

Houseplants thrive in optimal temperatures and humidity. Foliage indoor plants grow best between 70° and 80°F during the day and 60° to 68°F at night. Most flowering indoor plants prefer the same daytime range but grow best at nighttime temperatures of 55° to 60°F. Excessive low or high temperatures can cause growth issues, spindly appearance, foliage damage, leaf drop, or plant failure. Most indoor plants tolerate normal temperature fluctuations.

What is the lowest temperature to leave plants outside?

When freeze warnings are threatening, it is crucial to know the point at which greenery fades to frost-burned brown. Most plants freeze when temperatures remain at 28°F for five hours, with exceptions like seedlings that may give up when temperatures dip to 32-33°F. Tropical plants have different low-temperature thresholds, with some keel over when temperatures fall to 40°F, others crumble at 35°F, and some plants can withstand temperatures as low as 18-20°F. To find the threshold for your plants, search garden books and online resources.

To protect plants, move them out of harm’s way, such as under a deck, garage, shed, or porch with a roof. Count on water to raise overnight air temperature around plants, fill gallon jugs or buckets with water and place them in the sun during the day and move them near endangered plants at night. Paint water-holding containers black to maximize daytime heating.

How do you debug plants before bringing them indoors?

Experts suggest bathing or soaking plants in water with mild dishwashing soap before bringing them indoors. If plants are too big, spray them with water to remove outdoor dust and insects. Wash the leaves with water and dishwashing soap, then rinse. The soapy water also kills pests in the soil. Check plants for infestations and treat them with insecticidal soap if needed. Wash the outside of pots to remove dirt and unwanted pests.

If needed, prune, separate, or repot plants if needed. Gradually reintroduce plants to indoors, as they may undergo shock if brought from outdoor conditions to indoors, resulting in yellow leaves, wilt, dieback, or even death.

When should I bring in my house plants?

Houseplants often enjoy a summer vacation in full or part shade, but they need to be moved indoors before temperatures drop to around 50°F. Most houseplants are native to tropical areas and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures, and many will die if exposed to below freezing temperatures. Before bringing plants indoors, check for insects and rinse off foliage while still outside. Once inside, keep plants isolated from other plants for 3 to 4 weeks.

Common indoor plant pests like scale, mealybug, aphids, whitefly, ants, or cockroaches will be evident after a month or so indoors. Inspect and address any issues as soon as they are noticed to prevent infestations on other plants. Place plants back inside in bright, indirect light, as even the brightest indoor locations are a fraction of the light intensity of conditions in a shade or part-shade location outside. Some houseplants, like tropical hibiscus and weeping fig, will drop leaves in response to this change in light intensity. Provide supplemental light if conditions are too dim indoors.

What month should I repot my houseplants?

Plants should be repotted every 12 to 18 months, depending on their growth rate. Slow growers, like cacti, can live in the same pot for years but only need soil replenishment. The growing season, early spring through late summer, is the best time to repot plants, as they get the most out of additional space and fresh nutrients. If you notice signs of repotting, such as roots growing through drainage holes, the plant pushing up and out of the pot, slower growth, top-heavy plants, drier potting mix, larger foliage, noticeable salt and mineral build-up, or it’s been over a year since last repotted, it’s a good time to repot your plants. This helps ensure they receive the most out of additional space and fresh nutrients.

What month is best for plants?

The ideal planting season is between spring and fall, with mild weather and warm soil allowing roots to grow until the ground freezes. Factors guiding planting include finding your growing zone, which is your region’s average temperature range, and knowing your frost dates. The first and last frost dates in your area determine how early and late you can place plants in the ground. Knowing your zone helps you choose the right planting window for your plants to thrive. Frost dates are estimated based on historical climate data and are an excellent rule of thumb for planting. Knowing these factors will help you choose the right planting window for your plants.

Should you remove old soil when repotting?

Repotting and potting up are not the same, as repotting involves removing old potting mix and is best done before or after the growing season (early Spring and late Autumn). Potting up is less drastic and involves shifting a plant, old potting mix, and all to a new pot size with little to no damage or disruption to the roots. It can be done any time of year, but it is best to avoid the middle of winter unless necessary. When space is available, repotting and repotting can be done all year round. This guide provides a step-by-step guide on how to pot up and repot plants.

What is the best time to buy indoor plants?

It is of the utmost importance to understand the optimal time to purchase and transplant houseplants in order to achieve success with indoor gardening. The optimal periods for purchasing houseplants are spring and late summer/early fall, while the optimal period for transplanting is spring and early summer. It is imperative to consider the specific needs and growth patterns of each plant in order to ensure their optimal health and vitality.

What is the best season for indoor plants?

Winter is a time when house plants grow slower and become dormant to protect themselves from colder temperatures. As spring approaches, they need more water to grow faster and healthier. To maximize growth, pay attention to their soil and time watering sessions accordingly. The general rule is to check the top 2 inches of soil and water if dry.

During the early spring months, use houseplant fertiliser with added nutrients to aid the plant’s growth. Plant care accessories and food are available to give your houseplants the best chance of growth. Fertilize your plants once a month during the growing season (Spring and Summer).

During the growing season, your plants may need repotting if they are outgrowing their pots. Observe if their roots start growing through the draining holes of their nursery pot or if they are circled and clustered around the bottom. Repot your plant with a fresh new batch of soil and a clean pot with draining holes that is around 2 inches larger than the current pot.

In summary, house plants need to be repotted during the spring season to ensure their health and happiness. By following these tips and tricks, you can help your plants grow to their full potential.

How do I know if my houseplant needs repotting?

Repotting plants is necessary when they dry out between waterings, top-heavy plants fall over, produce small leaves with little new growth, or if a salty crust is seen on the soil surface. Repotting is best in late winter, when natural light levels increase and plants are awakening from winter doldrums. Most plants grow as large as their root system allows, so larger pots lead to larger root masses and larger plants. However, large plants require more room inside the home and are more difficult to move outside during summer.

It is generally okay to let some plants get rootbound, as it keeps them smaller and easier to manage. Pot size should be gradually increased, starting with small pots and gradually increasing as the plant grows.

What temperature is bad for houseplants?

Tropical houseplants prefer temperatures between 65-75°F during the day and 10 degrees cooler at night. Lower temperatures can cause issues. Adjust thermostats to your comfort level, but consider your plants’ health. Healthy plants require cleaning to survive and thrive. Look for pests before indoors, especially during cold weather. Repotting houseplants helps maintain fresh soil and new growth, ensuring their health. Remember to consider your plants’ needs when adjusting thermostats.